BSI revises fire-detection and alarm standard

In the aftermath of the Grenfell Tower fire, there is much more scrutiny of fire alarm and fire detection systems

Fibre optic

BSI has launched a new code of practice covering the way in which data for underground utilities – such as fibre-optic cables – is captured, recorded, maintained and shared

National standards body BSI has revised its standard for fire-detection and fire-alarm systems. BS 5839-1:2017 covers the planning, design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of these systems in and around commercial buildings. 

It is referred to in both volumes of Approved Document B – the government’s statutory guidance on fire safety – which supports the Building Regulations in England, covering fire-safety matters in and around buildings.

In the aftermath of the Grenfell Tower fire there is much more scrutiny of fire alarm and fire detection systems, so it is essential for those involved in any aspect of these systems to be aware of this revision.

BSI has also launched a new code of practice covering the way in which data for underground utilities – such as water pipes, telephone lines and fibre-optic cables – is captured, recorded, maintained and shared.

More than three million excavations take place every year and PAS 256 Buried Assets – Capturing, recording, maintaining and sharing of location information and data – Code of practice was created to address the variable quality, reliability and availability of existing data. It was sponsored by the Institution of Civil Engineers.